VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine I trust that my weekly message and prayer find You well. This week I would like to focus on the developing world which too often faces suffering We fail to see or acknowledge.

While back home We see stories of high inflation and moan about a cost of living crisis, We should do well to remember Our fellow man in parts of Africa and South America who struggles to find the basics.

1 in 3 African citizens are impacted by water scarcity. 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to basic drinking water. Citizens in sub-Saharan Africa travel 30 minutes on average daily to access water.

In recent years, the world has made remarkable strides advancing development. Yet, more than 700 million people still live in extreme poverty. Children are disproportionately affected. Despite comprising one third of the global population, they represent half of those struggling to survive on less than $1.90 a day.

Children who grow up impoverished often lack the food, sanitation, shelter, health care and education they need to survive and thrive. Across the world, about 1 billion children are multidimensionally poor, meaning they lack necessities as basic as nutrition or clean water. Some 100 million additional children have been plunged into multidimensional poverty due to COVID-19.

Maybe We are not so badly off after all?

The Bible is clear about those who suffer in poverty:

Luke 6:20-21
“Looking at his disciples, he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.’”

Have a great week ahead. God Bless You All.

Lord, bring new life and new hope to those who feel crushed by poverty. Move in this world in a powerful way where disease and deprivation no longer ravage and decimate the dignity of Your precious creation. We look to You. Soften our hearts and tune our ears to the cries of the poor all around us. Amen.